that the Japan Meteorological Agency uses to gauge the start and peak of cherry blossom season in Tokyo. Officials from the JMA’s Tokyo Regional Headquarters declared in Japanese and sign ...

Many cherry blossom-viewing festivals have been canceled as well. At Metropolitan Inokashira Park in western Tokyo, areas reaching about 8,400 square meters have been roped off since March 12.

One of Japan's busiest tourist seasons is underway, with cherry blossoms in full bloom in large parts of the country. Visitors from around the world have long flocked to Japan at this time of year.